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Metro
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Metro
Tesco and Waitrose trial US-style trolleys — but shoppers call them 'awful'
You may notice something different on your next big shop, as two UK supermarkets consider introducing a distinctly American new feature. US-style plastic trolleys are now being trialled in Tesco's Sheffield Infirmary Superstore and Waitrose's Brent Cross branch, in an effort to gather feedback from customers. These new designs are said to be lighter and easier to steer, without the clattering noise traditional carts can make as they're wheeled through the aisles. Additionally, they could prove less attractive to thieves, who typically steal the metal models in order to sell on for scrap. Hannah Lewis, managing director of trolley supplier Formbar, believes shops and customers alike will prefer them. 'Trolleys are important, they are the first thing you see as you go into a supermarket,' she tells The Sun. 'The plastic ones are more cost-effective to maintain, as well as being fully recyclable. We'll be seeing them much more in the future.' But not all shoppers are convinced. A Reddit post about the new trolleys – similar to those used by US chains like Target – sparked disapproving replies, with @NoFaithlessness4987 branding them a 'waste of money' and another user predicting they'd 'end up grubby and stinking very quickly'. 'They ain't gonna last a week,' commented @ManufacturerNo4079, while @justhonest1986 added: 'They look awful.' 'At least these won't rust when they end up in the local river, canal, or duck pond,' wrote @Big_Dave990, to which @humblesunbro jokingly responded: 'Nope they'll float merrily on by instead.' Some felt the move was a positive one though, including @ImissTBBT who said: 'I don't see what's wrong. Plastic baskets on shopping trolleys have been a thing in the US and many other countries for decades. They work just fine. Overall unit weight and price is reduced.' Another, @Childhood-Crazy, praised the 'modern' design, while @DeezWuts noted that the potential cost savings when it comes to replacing them, adding: 'Probably a decent overall savings in stores that are constantly having the metal ones robbed.' More Trending Although Tesco declined to comment on its use of plastic trolleys going forward, a Waitrose spokesperson told Metro: 'This is a localised trial involving one shop but we have no plans to roll-out wider.' According to Wanzl, trolley theft and abandonment costs British businesses £35m every year (more than £95,000 a day), with each stolen cart coming in at £100 to replace. However, Spanish supermarket Mercadona reduced its replacement needs by 80% after switching to plastic hybrid models, improving the company's bottom line and its environmental impact. Still, customers can be particular about supermarket trolleys, as Tesco found out last year. When the supermarket moved self-scanner holders from the left to the right-hand side of its cart handles, shoppers took to social media begging for the change to be reversed. Following some surprisingly strong reactions – including one person claiming they were driven 'nuts' having to reach over and put the machine back in its slot – a spokesperson for Tesco told Metro: 'Our new trolleys are designed to be practical for all customers. We value feedback and will pass this on to the relevant teams.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Tu Clothing is set to bring back its designer-inspired belted bag for £20 MORE: Horrified Tesco shopper 'bit into live cockroach' in meal deal sandwich MORE: Forget about Prosecco — drink this £6.97 sparkling wine from Asda instead
Leader Live
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Leader Live
Tesco shoppers slam awful new US-style trolleys amid trial
The new designs, which some customers have said 'look awful' aim to be lighter and easier to move around stores, with less noise too. It comes as Tesco has been trialling hybrid trolleys, which are made of a metal chassis with a black plastic basket, at its Sheffield Infirmary Superstore. The trolleys might look familiar to shoppers as the design is similar to those being used at big US chains such as Target, known for its famous bright red carts. Hannah Lewis, managing director of trolley supplier Formbar, told The Sun that shops and customers will prefer them. Hannah explained: 'Trolleys are important, they are the first thing you see as you go into a supermarket. 'The plastic ones are more cost-effective to maintain, as well as being fully recyclable. 'We'll be seeing them much more in the future which I think people will like as they are easier to push around than the steel ones, and they are quieter too with no metal rattling sounds.' However, after one customer posted a picture of the new plastic Tesco trolleys on Reddit, which they had seen during a recent visit, some aren't fans of the improved look. One commented: 'Like plastic baskets, these will end up grubby and stinking very quickly.' Another shared: 'They ain't gonna last a week.' While this person wrote: 'What a waste of money.' Someone else slammed: 'They look awful.' Recommended reading: Tesco launches toy sale for the summer holidays with extra Clubcard savings How to get £20 in Clubcard vouchers by using £5 worth of vouchers this month Tesco scraps '5-star' Clubcard offer leaving customers 'disappointed' But many shoppers were pleased with the latest trolley invention by the supermarket, as this member of the subreddit r/Tesco said: 'They look very modern.' A second chimed: 'I don't see what's wrong. Plastic baskets on shopping trolleys have been a think [thing] in the U.S. and many other countries for decades. They work just fine. Overall unit weight and price is reduced.' Following the "small-scale" trial, it's not known if the plastic trolleys will be rolled out widely across the UK, but it's understood that feedback is being taken from customers.
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Big shake-up to trolleys at two major supermarket chains and it will make them easier to steer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DOING a big grocery shop could soon be easier due to new American-style plastic shopping trolleys being trialled at two supermarket chains. The new designs are said to be lighter and easier to steer, without any noisy clanking sounds. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 A major shake-up to Tesco trolleys is in motion Credit: Getty 8 The new additions are similar to those used in big American chains like Target Credit: Formbar 8 New trolleys in action Credit: Reddit Tesco's trial at its Sheffield Infirmary Superstore involves hybrid trolleys, comprising a metal chassis with a plastic basket. Waitrose's all plastic ones are at its Brent Cross store. The new additions are similar to those used in big American chains like Target, with its iconic bright red carts. It's not known whether they'll be rolled out more widely, but it's understood feedback is being taken from customers. Read More WE ALL SCREAM Shoppers can get FREE ice cream from major supermarkets Hannah Lewis, managing director of trolley supplier Formbar, believes shops and customers will prefer them. She added: 'Trolleys are important, they are the first thing you see as you go into a supermarket. 'The plastic ones are more cost-effective to maintain, as well as being fully recyclable. 'We'll be seeing them much more in the future which I think people will like as they are easier to push around than the steel ones, and they are quieter too with no metal rattling sounds.' Mrs Lewis also hopes that plastic trolleys will be less desirable to thieves, who target them for scrap metal. Pictures of the new trolleys at the Sheffield store in Tesco have been a talking point on the social media forum Reddit, with some users unconvinced of their benefits. One said: 'At least these won't rust when they end up in the local river, canal, duck pond, etc.' Another added: 'Nope they'll float merrily on by instead.' One shopper also reported the trolley was smaller, with another saying: "Are they trying to make it less obvious how much less we can get for a £100. "I filled a whole trolley." Others speculated that shoplifters who load up trolley-loads of goods to nick wouldn't be able to take as much. 8 One new trolley is black and light-weight Credit: Formbar 8 There's a comfortable seat for younger kids Credit: Formbar 8 There's also a larger red version for bigger shops Credit: Formbar MORE TESCO NEWS This comes as Tesco is giving away Clubcard points for free as part of a huge summer day out deal. The limited-time reward scheme is part of the 30th anniversary of the supermarket's Clubcard Rewards. Shoppers can take home 1000 Clubcard points free when they exchange at least £5 of Clubcard vouchers with one of Tesco's Days Out Reward Partners. That means shoppers can earn £10 worth of points for free, just for exchanging their vouchers. However, customers need to exchange their points before July 29th if they want to make use of the deal. Celebrating the launch of the incredible deal, Shama Wilson - Tesco's Group Membership and Loyalty Director - said: 'We know our customers are always looking for things to do across the summer, especially during school holidays, and so this is always a popular time for Clubcard members to exchange their vouchers for double their value with Reward Partners. 'To make that even more rewarding, and to celebrate 30 years of Clubcard rewards, we are offering an amazing £10 of points back when you spend on days out. 'It means you can exchange your vouchers and get great savings while getting £10 of points in return to go towards your weekly shop or even another great day out later in the year.' The deal can only be redeemed once on each Clubcard. Over 23 million British households have a Clubcard, helping customers to make huge savings when shopping at Tesco. Plus, the "perfect holiday set" has just landed according to one Tesco shopper - as she shows off the perfect striped duo & it costs just £32. And, fashion lovers were sent into a frenzy with the supermarket's stunning green puff sleeve midi dress. The frock was such a hit with shoppers that they brought it out in a cerise pink earlier this year. The F&F Pure Cotton V-Neck Puff Sleeve Midi Dress is avialable in sizes six to 22, and can be snapped up online or in store. It features a classic V-neck and tie at the waist to cinch you in. Meanwhile, we told earlier how shoppers were racing to snap up a £19.50 'chuck on' summer dress that is "gorgeous on" and comes in three colours. How has Tesco's F&F upped its game By Fabulous' Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend ZARA has become a high street staple in recent years thanks to its hot-off-the-catwalk designs and affordable prices. But recently those prices have risen with the brand's popularity. However, if you are looking for high fashion inspired outfits with low price tags you needn't drag yourself to your local shops, just head to the supermarket instead. F&F has come a long way from selling a few backs of T-shirts and fluffy dressing gowns and is now a must have shopping destination for thousands. They produce good quality, long lasting and on trend clothes that puts others to shame. F&F is filled with Zara dupes and other looks inspired by our favourite shops that will set you back less than £50 - and you can get them while you pick up your dinner. I for one love F&F denim, it's durable, fits really well and has all the best silhouettes. So even if you're not looking for reasonable prices but just want good clothes, get yourself to Tesco. 8 There's hopes the plastic trolleys will be less desirable to thieves, who target them for scrap metal Credit: Formbar
